New Orleans homeowners who didn't get the homestead exemption should visit assessor's office to correct the error

New Orleans homeowners who qualify for the homestead exemption but did not have it appear on this year's tax bill will be issued a supplemental homestead exemption after visiting the Orleans Parish assessor's office, Assessor Erroll Williams said in a news release.

File photoNew Orleans Assessor Erroll Williams

"We've been addressed by a number of constituents with concerns regarding their most recent tax bill," the release said. Williams said more than 90 percent of the calls or visits this time of year involve the homestead exemption.

Those who did not get a homestead exemption but who are entitled to one should visit the assessor's office with proof of homeownership, a valid Louisiana photo ID/driver's license matching the property address and a recent unpaid energy bill for the property addressed to the owner.

The assessor's offices are at City Hall, 1300 Perdido St., and at the Algiers Courthouse, 225 Morgan St. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The homestead exemption will be retroactively applied and a revised tax bill will be issued, Williams said.

Tax payments are due by Jan. 31. Homeowners who believe they are entitled to a homestead exemption still have to pay their taxes on time and in full, however.

A change in the law this year means that homeowners will not have to re-apply for the exemption every year as they have in the past. The exemption will become permanent as long it is maintained as the owner's domicile.